Rehabilitation Approach for a Child with Cerebral Palsy and Upper Limb Deficiency

Congenital limb deficiency is a rare and intractable anomaly of the limbs; however, prostheses can partially complement the motor function and appearance of the missing limbs. The first prosthesis is usually prescribed for children with upper limb deficiencies at approximately 6-8 months of age. In affected children with additional problems associated with motor function, such as limb paralysis, the age for initiating prosthetic therapy and the benefit of prostheses in promoting and expanding their motor function and activities is unknown.

In this case presentation, we describe a 25-month-old boy with cerebral palsy and left unilateral congenital upper limb deficiency caused by congenital constriction band syndrome. The patient could stand with assistance and crawl on his hands and knees. However, he was unable to walk with assistance or to stand on his own. A forearm prosthesis with a passive hand was prescribed and issued, and rehabilitation therapy for wearing and using the prosthesis was performed. At 34 months of age, the patient was able to walk forward using a walker with the prosthesis. Without the prosthesis, he still could not walk using a walker. The upper limb prosthesis also improved other movements such as sitting, standing, and tasks performed on a desk or on the floor.

The prosthesis was apparently effective in improving motor function. Prosthesis prescription should be considered at an appropriate and early age considering individual developmental stages and needs, regardless of the existence of additional problems associated with motor function.